The Cascading Beauty Of Kaieteur Falls

Located in Central Guyana, over the Potaro River, the Kaieteur Falls are one of the most stunning natural formations in South America. What makes the Kaieteur Falls one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world is its enormous height and substantial proportion.

 

When Size Matters

The fact that the Kaieteur Falls are five times higher than the popular Niagara Falls in North America and twice the height of the Victoria Falls, located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia in Africa, is reason enough to be drawn to these spectacular falls.

The falls are 251 metres high when measured from its fall over the cliff, to the sharp rapids it flows over. Even if waterfalls aren’t your thing, do make it a point to visit the Kaieteur Falls, as they promise to be a once in a lifetime experience. Three thousand gallons of water cascading down into the middle of a lush green forest is sure to take your breath away!

As The Legends Go

The Kaieteur Falls has many interesting legends attached to it and according to a popular one, the falls were named after an annoying old man who was made to sit in a boat and thrown into the falls by his relatives. Hence the falls were named Kaieteur, which means “old man fall” in the local language.

Another Patamona Indian legend states that the Kaieteur Falls were named after Kai, a chief who sacrificed his life by paddling over the falls in order to help his people by pacifying Makonaima, a powerful spirit.

What to See

The falls are located in the Kaieteur National Park, which is the heart of the Guyana Rainforest. Enjoy the flora and fauna of the region, including the Tiny Golden Frog, the Scarlet Cock-of-the-Rock birds and the Bush Dog. Also, look out for Swifts, the birds which nest under the overhang of the falls and swoop in and out of the water; especially around sunset.

Surrounded by mist and fringed by rainbows, the Kaieteur Falls are absolutely awe inspiring! Spend the entire day here to do justice to the spectacular beauty of the falls and the flourishing rainforest which surrounds it.

How to Reach Kaieteur Falls

There are regular flights to an airstrip near the Kaieteur Falls from Ogle and Cheddi Jagan airports in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. It is a short flight and will take you only 45 minutes to get to Kaieteur Falls.